Deadline: December 7, 2025
Applications are open for the Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2026-2027. The Harris Social Impact Fellowship is a selective, full-time, 11-month program for recent graduates and early career professionals with strong STEM skills and a passion for evidence-based change. Designed by University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy faculty, the fellowship blends intensive training in policy analysis, critical reasoning, and data analytics with a hands-on placement at a top research center or policy institute.
Fellows begin with eight weeks of academic coursework followed by nine months tackling urgent issues like educational equity, climate action, crime reduction, and government efficiency. The experience culminates in a capstone project addressing a real-world policy challenge.
Throughout the program, fellows receive professional development, mentorship from policy leaders, and access to an unmatched network of faculty, alumni, and practitioners. Fellows emerge with the skills, momentum, and a defining career experience to advance data-driven change across public, private, and social sectors.
Program Components
- Academic Coursework: 8 weeks of intensive, faculty-led coursework in data analytics, economic analysis, and analytical politics at the University of Chicago
- Immersive Learning: 9-months of immersive learning with leading research centers and policy institutes tackling issues like education, public safety, health equity, and climate change
- Professional Development: Mentorship and PD through workshops focused on technical and leadership skills, problem sets, panel discussions, and networking with senior faculty, alumni, and civic leaders
- Capstone Project: Real-world deliverables to showcase skills and apply fellowship training to a real-world social impact challenge in partnership with a mission-driven organization
- Life-Long Community: The fellowship offers unique opportunities and an annual retreat that keeps alumni connected, creating a vibrant, impact-driven network
- Mentorship and Career Coaching: Fellows receive personalized guidance throughout the program to navigate their professional goals and grow as social impact leaders
Benefits
- $75K stipend for living and healthcare expenses
- $21K to fully cover fellowship academic credential
Eligibility
- Demonstrated capacity for serious technical, quantitative, or analytical work—e.g., through coursework, research, or work experience
- Recent college graduate or early-career professional (bachelor’s degree must be conferred prior to the start of the fellowship)
- The nature of this program requires participants be legally authorized to work in the U.S. If you are a U.S. visa holder, you must confirm with the sponsor of that visa whether participation in this program fits within the parameters of your current visa status. The University of Chicago cannot sponsor visas in connection with the program.
Application
Application requires:
- Motivation Statement
- Technical Experience Statement
- Resume
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
- Transcripts
For more information, visit Harris Social Impact Fellowship.
